USTDA Supports Sustainable Hydropower Development in Côte d’Ivoire
August 21, 2018
Press Release
USTDA’s Thomas R. Hardy announces the project in Cote d’Ivoire as part of a President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa visit

Washington D.C.– The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to the Ivoirian company, Kokumbo Energies S.A., a subsidiary of eleQtra Ltd., supporting a feasibility study for a 27.7 megawatt run-of-river hydro power project on the Bandama River in the Gagnoa District of Côte d’Ivoire. The project will harness the country’s significant hydropower potential, meeting the growing energy demand, while creating new jobs.  

Kokumbo Energies S.A. selected the U.S. firm, Knight Piésold & Co. of Denver, Colorado to conduct the feasibility study. The project will create opportunities for U.S. exports including turbines, generators, and other equipment and services.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to investing in infrastructure that will drive the growth of the Ivoirian economy,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Director, Congressional and Public Affairs. “This project will meet the increasing energy demand, while creating market access for U.S. companies.”

Gad Cohen, CEO of eleQtra Ltd. said, “This grant will accelerate the development of the Kokumbo project and allow for much needed affordable clean energy to meet the growing demand from Ivorian households, businesses and institutions.”

The project is expected to be completed and operational in early 2022.

With its principal offices in London and New York, as well as regional offices in Accra, Kampala, Maputo and Lusaka, eleQtra consists of 25 professionals with expertise in project development, project financing and investment, engineering, operations specific to infrastructure development and investment.  Since 2005, eleQtra has established itself as one of the leading infrastructure developers and sponsors in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a demonstrated track record of delivering infrastructure projects in multiple sectors. In the twelve years since its creation, eleQtra has catalyzed more than $1.5 billion of investment in new infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa. More information about eleQtra can be found atwww.eleqtra.com. Please direct any inquiries to Richard Avery:Richard.Avery@eleqtra.com